A blog about my journey as an athlete and a woman. Come step into her shoes...

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Why Hemp? Free Giveaway!

I know this is long but worth the read!

Hempmilk: a non-dairy beverage made from shelled hemp seeds. Similar to soy or dairy, hempmilk can be used as a milk substitute by the glass, on cereal, in baking or steamed into hot drinks like coffee or chai, or blended cool and frosty into iced drinks.


Right before I left for my marathon I was pleasantly surprised by a nice package from Living Harvest full of lot’s of Hemp goodies! Thanks Katie!
Hempmilk is marketed as an, “alternative to cow’s milk and soy milk, it contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. An 8-ounce glass contains all 10 essential amino acids, 46 percent of the recommended daily amount of calcium, 4 grams of protein, folic acid, and vitamins A, B12, D, and E.”


I have noticed the Hemp trend going on in the health blog world and I was interested to find out more for myself. Living Harvest sent me a few different types of Hempmilk, chocolate, vanilla, and original along with some Hemp Protein packs and Hemp Nuts. I have tried all of them and so far so good.


I love the chocolate and vanilla Hempmilk, I put it in my cereal, and oatmeal. I also just drink the chocolate by it self and it is quite tasty. I like it because of its frothy texture and I love the creaminess of the vanilla in my oatmeal, it makes my oatmeal just right. I even tried the chocolate protein and hemp seeds in some cereal and it wasn’t too bad. Overall I am very impressed with the texture and flavors. If I had to sum up the review in one sentence, I would say it was my pleasure to try this delectable product!


The more important question is why Hemp Milk?
As an athlete and a health nut I wanted to know how this was any different then soy milk and regular milk. So I did a little research.


I find out that “ten of the twenty amino acids the human body requires are considered essential, meaning the body does not make them. We need to get these Essential Amino Acids from food. Hemp Seeds contain all 10 Essential Amino Acids and high levels of branched-chain amino acids, important for the development of lean body mass, as well as muscular repair.” I am sure that is not news to a lot of you, but I am learning so it was news to me.

The key words here are LEAN BODY MASS and MUSCULAR REPAIR!
Those are very important to me. So ok, soy milk has these amino acids so why is hemp protein different? Here is a list of reasons I find out:

  1. Hemp protein is highly digestible due to its protein structure and low levels of antinutrients (enzyme inhibitors).


  2. Hemp Protein does not have phytates: Soy protein contains phytates which can interfere with the proper assimilation of essential minerals.


  3. Hemp Seed allergies are fairly uncommon: Soy allergies are almost as common as cow's milk. .


  4. Hemp Protein is highly digestible, unlike soy protein that contains oligosaccharides which cause flatulence and stomach distress.

Some of the benefits of Hemp milk are: “It is high in protein and is a good source of balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid. It is the only product made from seeds that contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a controversial substance that may help fight cancer, treat problems with inflammation, and auto-immune diseases. It does not contain trypsin inhibitors (trypsin is an enzyme essential to nutrition) or phytic acid which is a strong chelator of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc and can therefore contribute to mineral deficiencies (although research shows that phytic acid may prevent colon cancer.)”

Ok so this is what I get from all of this, it’s easier on the tummy and not as many allergies. But what about RECOVERY is it better for me then Soy Milk? In my opinion it really depends on the person’s body. Some people don’t digest soy as easy as hemp or regular milk. They all have great amounts of nutrients and proteins that would help build lean muscle.

RECIPES FROM LIVING HARVEST

Living Harvest Hempuccino
 Pinch of cinnamon
 Pinch of clove
 Pinch of nutmeg
 1-2 shots of espresso
 6-10 oz Living Harvest Unsweetened Vanilla

Mix the ground spices together in a separate small container and reserve a little for garnish. Add the remaining ground spices to the bottom of the cup. Pull shots and pour over spices. Steam hemp beverage to 140 F and add to spices and shots. Top with the reserved spices. Enjoy.
Living Harvest's Hemp Protein is the perfect high performance plant-based whole food. Our Hemp Protein is 100% certified organic, raw, cold processed, vegan , gluten-free and kosher. It contains all 10 Essential Amino Acids, a well-balanced ratio of Omega - 3 and Omega - 6 Essential Fatty Acids, and GLA. See Hemp 101 for a complete nutritional profile of hemp seeds.
Our Chocolate Chili Hemp Protein blend has a rich chocolate taste balanced with the right amount of heat from cinnamon and chilies. We use only real ingredients that are chosen for their great taste and natural nutritional benefits. A simple, perfect Foundation Food™.
Now available in a 1 lb. (454g) canister as well as single serving packets for travel, work or play.

Corn Chowder (can't wait to make this one!)

 2 1/2 cups Living Harvest Hempmilk
 5 ears of corn, shaved (or 5 cups corn kernels)
 1 small avocado
 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
 Sea salt to taste
 2 Tbsp Living Harvest Organic Hemp Oil
 3 Tbsp Living Harvest Organic Hemp Nuts, for garnish

Set aside 1 cup of corn kernels. Blend remaining corn, Hempmilk, avocado, garlic, and salt in a blender until smooth. Stir in the rest of the corn kernels. Transfer to a soup pot and gently warm. Remove from heat, stir in hemp oil, and sprinkle hemp nuts on top. Or, do not heat and serve chilled. Serves 6. Click here for more recipes


Here is an interesting and enlightening assortment of hemp facts:

1) Hemp is among the oldest industries on the planet, going back more than 10,000 years to the beginnings of pottery. The Columbia History of the World states that the oldest relic of human industry is a bit of hemp fabric dating back to approximately 8,000 BC.


2) Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew hemp. Americans were legally bound to grow hemp during the Colonial Era and Early Republic. The federal government subsidized hemp during the Second World War and U.S. farmers grew about a million acres of hemp as part of that program.


3) Hemp seed is nutritious and contains more essential fatty acids than any other source, is second only to soybeans in complete protein (but is more digestible by humans), is high in B-vitamins, and is a good source of dietary fiber. Hemp seed is not psychoactive and cannot be used as a drug (learn more at TestPledge.com).


4) The bark of the hemp stalk contains bast fibers, which are among the Earth's longest natural soft fibers and are also rich in cellulose. The cellulose and hemi-cellulose in its inner woody core are called hurds. Hemp stalk is not psychoactive. Hemp fiber is longer, stronger, more absorbent and more insulative than cotton fiber. Read more

Why Living Harvest?


“ Living Harvest™ was the originator of the world's first raw hemp protein in 2002. We understand how to make a raw hemp protein that keeps hemp seeds vital nutrients intact and bio-available. Our Hemp Protein is the highest quality available on the market. Our Hemp Protein is certified organic, cold-processed, vegan, kosher, and manufactured from hemp seeds grown in Canada. We also have 46-50% protein content per serving while other brands offer only 37% protein content. Our Hemp Protein is sweet and easy to consume in a variety of ways.”
I love the variety of milk and proteins out there, and with all this at our fingertips sometimes it gets a bit overwhelming! I know that this doesn't answer all of your questions so pleas shout them out, and I will do the best I can!

THE GIVEAWAY!

Ok so here if you read this far then here is what you need to do for the free giveaway. Post a comment by Friday October 17th at midnight central time, about why you would like to try Hempmilk, and what type of milks you drink now? The winner will receive a nice package of goodies from Living Harvest!

78 comments:

Trying To Heal said...

Wow, what an amazing and informative post! Thank you so much; i know know a lot more about hemp milk!!

I would like to try hemp milk because first of all, it's something different. I like the part that talks about the 10 essential amino acids it provides, along with developing lean body mass and muscle repair. the part about it being easier on the stomach is also a plus, as i've been having some GI issues myself! totally exciting!

Henry said...

I love trying new health food products. I have had roasted hemp seeds before and loved them. The milk is something I have yet to try. i do soy and skim milk right now.

Anonymous said...

i've heard all the rave about hemp milk from various bloggers, and i've yet to see it anywhere in the UK.... they are always behind with these things ;)

Colleen said...

Hi Bobbi,

I would love to win a package of LivingHarvest Hemp goodies! I'm a college sophmore who runs for the cross country and track teams and loves to take care of her one and only body nutritionally just as much as I do physically. I've come to learn that it's really all about balance between the two.

I've been following a vegan diet for the past year or so, and so I've tried various brands and types of non-dairy milks, but LivingHarvest sounds like it tops the list due to its taste and nutritional benefits!

Thanks for the great review and in-depth info.

Meg said...

ooo thanks for the enlightening post :-) I am lactose intollerant so I basically stick to soymilk and my newfound love..almond milk! mmm! I have seen hemp milk ALL over the blog world but I cannot find it anywhere around me :-( I have actually considered ordering it online but I am more than welcome to give it a try for free since I am a poor college student and all..(heh little guilt trip perhaps?) Anyyyways..I think after reading your post I may just NEED to order some LivingHarvest!

Anonymous said...

Im a no milker
I KNOW.

I amjust not a fan and get my calcium other ways.

PLEAAAAAAAAAAAASE PICK ME :)

Miz.

HangryPants said...

Oooh I hope I win.

I've been wanting to try hempmilk for so long, but there are so many brands and kinds I always get overwhelmed. As a most of the time vegeterian I am always looking for sources of protein other than tofu and cow's milk and all the flavors sound so good.

Heather

Anonymous said...

Would love to compare it to Almond Milk which I love. Would love to try the protein powders. Interested.

Anonymous said...

I love vanilla hemp milk - but I can only buy it by the CASE! 12 boxes cost around $50.00. The good news is they have a shelf life of 6 months unopened!

I am on my last one though!

Anonymous said...

I'd like to try Hemp Milk, and honestly, this is the very first time I'm reading of it! I read the entire page on your blog, and I'm still a little confused, there are so many types of milks out there. Hope I win! cdziuba@aol.com

ariyana9501 said...

I'd love to try anything at this point.....when I got pregnant, I became "allergic" to milk...as in, I'd get sick everytime I drank it. After having my first daughter, I decided to test the waters again, and milk was fine with me again. I got pregnant with my second daughter, and the same thing happened, I became "allergic" all over again. Only this time, it never went away. My youngest daughter is nearing 4 and I still cannot drink milk.....but I love it, and would drink it if I could! Thanks for the great giveaway!

HilLesha O'Nan said...

I can't really drink milk and this would be a wonderful alternative.

lilacbutterfly [at] earthlink.net

Unknown said...

well I drink a small amount of dairy milk now, but I stopped drinking soy b/c of phylates. (EWW)
and I think I might have a small allergy to cow milk (my skin breaks out) so I think this would be GREAT! I would love to try it out.

thanks so much for the chance to win!
karissag at gmail dot com

Tonya said...

Intersting. I would try it. I am open to new things.

Jill Myrick (jsc123) said...

After a couple of surgeries I am Lactose intolerant. it is really hard for me to enjoy any dairy including cheese and ice cream. Even though I love both.
I am currently using soy milk for things such as cereal and coffee as well as drinking. But even soy milk tends to give me a terrible bloated feeling.
I love milk though and would love to find something that my body could tolerate well.
Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway.
I would LOVE to win !!

Anonymous said...

It sounds great..I would love to try it.

Karen said...

Enter me please - we love trying new healthy alternatives !!!

409cope said...

Always like to try new tastes. Right now I'm drinking skim and soy milks

Deborah said...

I like to try hemp milk because I'm working towards eating a more healthy diet. I'm pretty certain that cow's milk is best for baby cows, but not so much for humans. Hemp milk could be a better alternative, especially because of the essential amino acids.

I currently drink whole milk mixed half'n'half with powdered fat free and water.

Mar said...

Hemp milk has not hit our shelves yet. I have been using soy or rice milk for a long time know and would love to try the hemp.

Sunnyvale said...

I'd be interested in trying this, it sounds like a great alternative.

Anonymous said...

I can't drink milk now because of my stomach problems. But I'd like to try it, maybe it can be helpful to my problem:)

damlakayi (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Right now I'm a coffee drinker who sometimes does the better thing by drinking Wisconsin no-fat milk. Reading that Hemp Protein doesn't have phytates sure gets my interest however. Need all the nutrients I can get so would really like to try the Hemp Milk.

mrs.mommyy said...

usually its soy

Stephanie said...

Just had a conversation about hemp milk this past weekend with my girlfriends of young babies who question why we give cow's milk to them. Would LOVE to try! Currently use organic, hormone-free cow's milk.
tvollowitz at aol dot com

danosor said...

It's marked "Not specified"Can Canadians enter this contest?Why not specify open to all or U.S. only.I don't get it.

Anonymous said...

I use 1% milk and I have used soy but not lately. I'd like to try the hemp basically because I didn't know you could make milk out of hemp!

jessie1953(at)msn.com

Tes283 said...

I have tried:
Cow's,
Soy,
Almond

time to try Hemp.
Thank you for the chance.

heaventrees said...

I have tried soy and almond milk. I liked the chocolate almond milk best. I would like to try the same in HempMilk.

David Johnson said...

I've heard hemp is good for you, first time I've heard of hemp milk, right now, we drink cow milk and have tried soy milk, thanks for the giveaway. titanicluck at gmail dot com

Kimberly said...

WOW! I have never heard of hemp milk before but you've really piqued my interest now.

I am lactose intolerant. Although I LOVE (and miss!) milk (I became intolerant after surgery) I can't drink it without getting a very upset stomach. So I tried to drink Lactaid but I find it way too sweet and I really don't like it. So I tried Soy milk and I just didn't like that either (didn't taste like milk). So I am desperate to find a milk-like substitute that will provide all the necessary vitamins that my body needs. The hemp sounds very interesting and good golly - if it tastes and good as you say and it doesn't upset my stomach I'll buy it by the case! I so miss having milk in my cereal.

I'm surprised that the hemp milk supplies so many important aminos too.

Thank you for a fantastic giveaway and for teaching us all about hemp milk.

HunnyV "at" Optonline "dot" net

Wehaf said...

I'd love to compare hemp milk to almond milk. I mostly drink almond milk or organic cow's milk these days.

urchiken at gmail dot com

PS said...

I've never heard of or seen hemp milk. I'd love to try it! We drink 2% organic milk and Silk milk for a treat. Thanks for the chance!

Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen said...

We drink soy milk at our house, but have been wanting to try hemp for a long time because of the health benefits!

dvice12 said...

I drink skim and soy milk now but hemp milk sounds interesting

Charlotte said...

I am always looking to try new things that are organic and green! Currently, we drink skim milk, but I'd love to try this!
margelina@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

I would to try this, right were doing the soy milk thing and would love to try something new. angel_2417@yahoo.com

Bebemiqui said...

We currently drink skim cow milk...we've tried soy and the kids aren't fans. I'd like to see if they like this!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

Buki Family said...

i would love to try this. i use skim milk now but i used to drink soy and rice. but this sounds real healty and ive never heard of hemp milk before.

Anonymous said...

Lowfat milk now. This would be good to try on cereal.

Katie said...

I would love to try this with my kids. They both have occasional bouts with constipation so we limit their dairy and use almond milk instead.
katiekarr at gmail dot com

Stacy said...

We have done soy and almond milk, so this would be great.

hetz-junk(at)hotmail(dot)com

MamaMy said...

I currently use organic 2% milk only, regular tastes weird to me now, and upsets my kiddos tummy...I have tried soy and would love to try hemp milk too!!! All the amino acids would be good for my family too!!

Anonymous said...

I usually drink 2% milk. I have tried vanilla soy milk before and loved it. Very interested in trying this.

-jpetros@comcast.net

Mommyhood is Thankless said...

I would love to try Hemp Milk because as it helps with muscle repair! Around here we drink rice and cow's milk.

Kari said...

Right now I drink organic cows milk - 2% or skim. This sounds fabulous!!

Unknown said...

Hempmilk sounds very exotic. Would try at least once. I drink regular 2%.

littlelatina said...

I usually buy skim for me and whole for my baby

Anonymous said...

I currently drink soy and almond milks. I have never heard of hemp milk and would love to try it. I wear hemp clothing and shoes and have hemp cereal.

sito50(at)live(dot)com

jennem said...

Right now we drink soy milk. I've heard hemp is more nutritious, so we are eager to try it.
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

pitaharmon said...

I have never heard of hempmilk, and I was about to try soymilk, because all I drink now is a little bit of the kids vitamin D milk. I'm afraid to drink too much, I'm already to fat. I really want to try it. I learned alot today, and I didn't expect that!!!

bison61 said...

I like that Hemp seed contains more essential fatty acids than any source. I am lactose intolerant, but I don't care for soy milk

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

mar said...

I would like to try hempmilk because it is high in protein. I exercise daily and do not eat much if any meat, so protein is a must for me. The milk I use now is any brand that is on sale!

chromiumman said...

currently drink fat free cow's milk
love to try this because i love to try new products

Jennifer said...

We would love to try this. My husband is obsessed with hemp products!! We have tried hemp tortillas and hemp rolls, I was shocked at how much protein hemp has in it. Thank you for all the information.

yadgirl said...

I'm not a fan of soy, so I'd like to try this. I currently drink Lactaid.

Helen said...

I didn't even know that there was such a thing as hemp milk! We've been looking into milk alternatives but can only find soy out here and my daughter is allergic to soy.

lunadelmar said...

I am 56 mother of 4 and grandmother of 8, I have lost over 120lbs in the last year and a half. I have a bit more to lose , so I am really watching what I eat. I want to live to see great grandchildren. I enjoy soy products very much. I like the fct that hemp milk is loaded with protein. I can use any and every help for a long life . thank you
lunadelmar_99@yahoo.com

Jinxy and Me said...

I would like to try this. Right now we drink cows milk and soy milk.

jillian3445 said...

I would so love to try this. I have been using soy, but if this has a good taste would love to switch over. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love Hemp products and i would love to try this milk for the protein benefits. I am a vegetarian who rarely drinks milk.We only cook with it.Also I would love to try Hemp Milk to use it for your corn chowder recipe:)

cyclona66@aol.com

Think about it said...

its probaly healthy, i have never tried it before, and would love too! i bet its kinda pricey?
i drink 1/2 % now

Anonymous said...

I'd love to try this out as an alternative to soy milk. It sounds like it really has some worthwhile health benefits that would make it extra beneficial!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

intime said...

these sound yummy intime@myself.com

Smooshy said...

I love trying new foods! Right now I drink regular, soy and rice milk.

Julia said...

I would like to try an alternative to cow milk since I have a wee one with a bad gut. Soy isn't the best alternative either! Currently we drink raw milk. Thanks!

tlcfromtn said...

I would love to try this because I am trying to eat more healthy. Thanks for the giveaway!

braaisjo at gmail dot com

RE said...

I'm a vegetarian, and am always looking for alternatives. Thanks for the giveaway!

klp1965 said...

it sounds great i drink lowfat

joannaonthelake said...

Wow! You really provided us with some extensive information and I feel I learned so much about Hemp Milk. I also love that you included some recipes! I would love to try Hemp Milk because I have a family of 5 (3 children, my husband and myself) and we do go through a lot of milk in our home. We use it for cereal, with our dinners, and to make beverages (chai tea, hot cocoa, etc.) I want my family and myself to ingest only the healthiest products that are out in the marketplace and these products sound wonderful. We use Soy Milk and Soy Silk right now and I am always looking for new organic or healthy products to give my family. Thank you for taking so much time to write such a great review of these products.
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

LINDALSHOT said...

I've never heard of it but would sure like to give it a try. I drink 2%.

Suzie Williams said...

I am somewhat lactose intolerant (only when I drink milk and ocassionally ice cream). I try to avoid cows milk anyway just because I don't completely buy into the hype that it's as food for you as we are lead to believe. Especially with all the hormones that are in some milks. Right now I drink Lactaid (cows milk).

Unknown said...

I would like to try Hempmilk because I am always looking for products to help me live a more healthy life. garrettsambo@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me, We just drink Dairy milks, ty

Samantha P said...

wow! marijuana can do anything, it's like the best thing in the world!

i usually drink soymilk cuz i'm lactose intolerant, and i also need a lot of protein cuz i don't eat that much meat, and sometimes i get weak i can't even lift my backpack!

Anonymous said...

this would make a Girlfriend so happy....She is totally into healthy eating and I am so bad into chocolates and sugars...please and thank you

Donna said...

I have heard about this and wanted to try it for the health benefits. Currently I drink 2% milk or soy milk.
donna444444@yahoo.com

lilyk said...

I would like to try Hempmilk because it sounds very healthy. I currently drink cow milk.